The National Plan Grateful Dead Cover Album

The National spoke with Spinner during Coachella about plans for a Grateful Dead covers album for charity.

Scott Devendorf, the band’s bassist, said the album would be similar to their 2009 album, Dark Was the Night. Spoon, Bon Iver, Arcade Fire and David Byrne appeared on the project to raise money for AIDS charity Red Hot.

According to Devendorf, many artists have already indicated their interest performing on the album. Steve Reich, Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver are on the list of acts that may appear on the record, and The National members have a few bands they will try to recruit for the effort.

Devendorf explained, “It’s not going to be like jam bands cover the Dead. There are so many cover bands. I think half of the record will be reinterpreting it. We’re also trying to think of unusual [acts]. Crystal Castles would be awesome.”

Release date and other details have not yet been announced, but it could be released as early as sometime this year.